Reviews from Mike Hopkins (25)

Anchorage Review for Little Shark River

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins, Tortue de Mer, on Feb 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Beautiful spot, well protected, deep water, good holding, anchor set quickly and came up with only a little mud on it.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Marathon

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 2

Where to begin… our first time to the Keys and Marathon, we were excited. We've had good experiences with Safe Harbors in the past so we chose one again. As it happens a lot, schedules change while boating. My wife tried to reach out to cancel one of our two day reservations on Sunday, no answer, tried Monday no answer, Tuesday we had no cell service while in the Everglades, Wednesday we arrived, took on fuel and got our slip assignment. I have no thrusters and only one engine and was concerned with the slip assignment and asked for a change to a wider area of the marina, I was told NO. I managed to get in fine and went to check in only to find out I'm being charged for two nights not one, we explained the attempts for cancelling and asked for a refund on the canceled day, I was told NO. They have a 72 hr cancelation policy, yes we know, we tried. We dropped a $1,000 in less than an hour to be treated this way! The final straw was the shower in the women's bathroom didn't drain so my wife was stuck in ankle deep water. My frustration is with admin and corporate greed. The dock and fueling hands were great but lack of customer service at this marina has a lot to be desired. We will not be returning to this marina when we come back through next month.

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Marina Review for Everglades Isle Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Absolute Gem, this is nicest marina we've been too. The showers and bathrooms are a bit of a walk but very clean. Very helpful staff both on the dock and in the office. Pet friendly, pickle ball courts, bars and restaurant on site. There always seems to be social events going on but remember this resort is for over 55 so if you have kids you might not get in. Lots to do and see within walking distance of the resort. We will be returning for sure.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Calusa Island

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 2

Very surprised at this marina. Phone staff was fine but that's where it ends. No help on the dock, bathrooms/showers were a long walk not mention they were a cramped, portable trailer and not pet friendly.

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Marina Review for Caladesi Island State Park Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

What a great spot. It has floating docks with 30 Amp pedestals. Showers and bathrooms are very close to the docks, there's even a cafe. Trails, beaches, mangrove kayaking, picnic tables, fire pits and great dog access. We ended up staying for 8 days and loved every minute of it. You have to come in on high tide which will give you 4.5', maybe a little more, but is doable. We got some local knowledge when we were in Tarpon Springs and made our way in from ICW marker 9 & 10 and it worked out fine for us. We kicked up a little sand but never touched bottom.

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Marina Review for Fisherman's Wharf Marina of Venice

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Nice marina on the ICW. Easy access to the outer fixed dock with minimal current. Nice restaurant near by and close to downtown. Nice laundry and bathroom/showers (could be cleaner) are close by, there's some pet access. They don't have very many transient slips so we were on a wait list but it all worked out. Overall it's a nice place to spend a couple days.

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Marina Review for Gulfport Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Nice marina, good depth and sheltered from all directions. We made reservations 2 weeks in advance and contacted marina as we got closer. We were told to proceed to the floating transient dock which was perfect for us. Unfortunately that was changed at the last minute and we ended up being sent to a short narrow fixed dock that we had to back into. With a single engine, no thrusters and windy day, it made for a frustrating arrival. It was now a long walk through the parking lots for laundry, bathrooms, and showers. It's a great location but surrounded by concrete, although it's doable, it's not the best for pets. It's within walking distance to downtown, the beach, shops, and restaurants which is nice.

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Marina Review for Shields Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Jan 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

St Marks is a nice place to visit but the marina needs some attention. Power pedestals were not working, closed on Mondays, not great pet access. We're told on the phone they don't take transients, fortunately we got that sorted out. They're closed on Mondays but credit goes to the attendant that came in for us to help get situated. Bathrooms/showers were just ok. Channel was well marked and seemed to have plenty of water. It's to bad, with a little attention, the place has a lot of potential. It gets a 3 star because of the nice ships store or i would have given it a two…

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Marina Review for Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Jan 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Beautiful marina and downtown location, well protected, clean bathrooms/showers. Easy walking to shops and restaurants along with good pet access. No courtesy car but great staff. Security gates provide good protection from the public streets.

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Marina Review for Point South Port St. Joe Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Jan 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Very nice, well protected, and easy access marina with both fixed, and floating docks. Nice ships store, bathrooms, shower, laundry, and pet access. Nearby restaurants and grocery store. Staff was fantastic and very helpful.

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Marina Review for Point South Marina Bay Point

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Jan 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We stayed here for three days and road out a Tornado. There is only 4.5' at low tide on entry to their well marked channel. New fixed docks with slip side free pump out. Limited pet access and a long walk to the spotless bathrooms, unfortunately shower is in the bathroom and not very private. They also offer free laundry. Not many amenities nearby and no courtesy car available. Staff was fantastic

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Marina Review for Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman Bay

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Jan 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

New marina and still working on amenities. Beautiful floating docks with in-slip fueling. No pump out, laundry, or loaner available at this time. The nicest ships store we've ever seen at a marina, a large covered bar/ restaurant area with fire pits. Good food at Roy's Restaurant adjacent to the marina. Small grocery store a 1/2 ml down the road and best of all, the staff is fantastic

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Marina Review for C-Quarters Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Jan 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Old school marina, still a nice spot to hold over for your crossing. Docks are short so you have to back in, staff was extremely helpful and Kim is very knowledgeable about the crossing windows. Pet friendly, low prices, good fuel prices, large ships store, bathroom and showers are old block construction but are adequate. You can't beat the sunset sitting in one of the rockers on the front porch, with a $1 can of beer from the store.

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Marina Review for Bay Springs Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Beautiful little spot. Very friendly and helpful staff. Good water depth and approach. Good pet access, courtesy car available, bathrooms and shower are nice and a short walk from the transient slips. Very peaceful, would stay here again.

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Marina Review for Midway Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Easy access through a well marked entrance and a good stop off from Aqua or Bay Springs. Docks are a little rough, missing cleats, and a little exposed to the river traffic, but they're being worked on. Has power, water, bathrooms, and showers.

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Marina Review for Ditto Landing Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

This is our second time here. Nice stop if you don't need provisions or supplies. Only one shower and 2 bathrooms, have fuel and pump outs, and the docks are in good shape. Watch the current on the approach, you'll want to come in from the down river side if you're coming down river, the inlet is narrow but clear, I showed 8' under the keel on entry.

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Free Dock Review for Guntersville City Harbor

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins, Tortue de Mer, on Nov 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

They deserve 5 stars but there is no power on the docks and no showers. There are local restaurants close by for bathrooms. The docks and surrounding area is great and well protected. Restaurants and a bar are close by.

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Marina Review for Erwin Marine Riverfront

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Erwin Marina, Olgiati Bridge Dock just west of the bridge. Nice docks, good depth, current not bad at this location, easy access for pets, and downtown. Publix, restaurants and other shops just across the bridge. I can't give them more stars because the bathrooms were not clean and no showers.

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Marina Review for Goose Pond Colony Resort Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Well marked channel coming in off the river, never marked less than 5' under the keel. Weedy on both sides but passable. Friendly staff, easy access to showers, bathrooms, and easy pet access. Had a great meal at the Docks Restaurant across the street.

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Marina Review for Joe Wheeler State Park

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Confused trying to locate our slip and the directions from the staff. We moved 3 times until we found the correct one. Numbers that exist are small and hard to find. Beautiful setting, well protected harbor, 30 and 50 amp power, and docks are in good shape. The grounds are showing their age. Bathrooms are cleans but didn't see any showers.

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Marina Review for Florence Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great place to stay, good depth, good docks, good service, showers were better than we've seen for a while, fuel and pump out, restaurant on site, perfect jump off for Wilson Lock.

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Marina Review for Paris Landing State Park Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Oct 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Enter along the bridge in a well marked channel, good water depth all the way through even at winter pool. Good access for fuel and pump out. They don't take reservations but with the large number of slips space is not a problem. Only two bathrooms and one shower, they were clean and located at the ships store. Good access for pets.

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Marina Review for Kenlake Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Oct 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Easy access through a well marked channel. Fuel pumps and pump out has easy access. Nice Docks. There was a restaurant (Burger Barn) on site - food was great. Staff very friendly and helpful. Amanda even offered to drop off an Amazon return for us. Marina has bathroom/ shower suites, and laundry available. The area is beautiful (Kenlake State Park). Lots of space to walk and great for dogs. I couldn't give 5 stars because the bathrooms need to be cleaned more often. But this is a very strong 4 regardless. It was just what we needed for a couple nights.

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Marina Review for Cuba Landing Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Oct 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Enter south of the island into a well marked channel. Call George on the VHF as you proceed in. He will guide you around the shallow area. I never marked less than 5' under the keel. Docks are in good shape, a very quiet area away from any towns. The views are really pretty. Good space for dogs to explore and get exercise. Bathrooms are in rough shape and not clean.

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Marina Review for Tobermory Harbour AKA Little Tub Harbour

Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Jun 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Beautiful little harbor, new docks, gas, diesel, pump out at the mouth of the harbor. Restaurants, motels, laundry facility are dock side. Peacock's Grocery store has move a mile out of town so provisioning is not as convenient for boaters

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